Washington Nationals Free Agency Wishlist

At 71-91 this past season, it is safe to say that the Nationals exceeded expectations. When it was all said and done, they were basically just as close to a playoff spot (12 GB) as they were to the worst record in the National League (13 GB), the spot they held just one season ago. And while this isn't the ultimate measure of success, it does show that this team might be closer to really competing than many expected, thanks in large part due to the expanded playoffs. This year alone we saw both a 5 seeded team and a 6 seeded team, one that only won 84 regular season games, make the World Series. With a competitive offseason and hitting on key moves, the Nationals could find themselves in the Wild Card conversation.

But before we talk Wild Card, we need to talk offseason. The Nationals have historically been strong in Free Agency, but not so much since their 2019 World Series title. Now that they have some life and a foundation from which they can build upon, we might finally see them return to their spending ways. It is not a guarantee with the team technically still up for sale and ownership seemingly checked out, but we can hope.

As far as targets, we do still need to temper expectations. Believe me, I would love Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but that is not the Nationals' style and unfortunately I do not expect either to rep the Curly W anytime soon. However, there are valuable pieces to be had that are within the Nationals perceived budget, similar to how they struck gold with Jeimer Candelario and Stone Garrett last season.

Here's my personal wishlist for the Nationals this offseason:

Rhys Hoskins

2022 Stats: .246/.332/.462, 30 HR, 79 RBI, 123 OPS+

A popular player on many fans' wishlists, Rhys Hoskins fits the exact mold of what the Nationals SHOULD be doing: targeting high upside players who are seeking prove-it deals due to down performance or, in Hoskins' case, injury.

Hoskins tore his ACL at the tail end of Spring Training prior to the 2023 season and nearly returned for the Phillies playoff push last month. That is just to say that whoever signs him will be getting a fully healthy Hoskins, who now has about 4 more months to rest and rehabilitate prior to the 2024 campaign.

Hoskins won't hit for a high average or wow you defensively, but he does add what the Nationals' lineup needs the most: power. The threat of a 30 home run bat in the Nationals lineup is exactly what the team needs to take their offense to the next level. Hoskins was also at his best in high leverage situations, something that will support the Nationals' ability to get on base. And better yet, if the Nationals do not take the step forward in 2024 as hoped, Hoskins will retain significant trade interest at the deadline.

For the Nationals, they could probably acquire Hoskins for a deal similar to the Qualifying Offer, around $20M for one year.

Projected AAV per Spotrac: $21M

Lucas Giolito

2023 Stats: 184 IP, 4.88 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 204 K, 33 GS

I do want the record to reflect that I would prefer the Nationals pay up for an established starter such as Blake Snell, Marcus Stroman or Aaron Nola, but they need to add a starting pitcher regardless.

While the Nationals hit a home run with Jeimer Candelario, they could not have whiffed more on the Trevor Williams experiment. If they are smart, or want to salvage any part of that contract, Williams will be a low leverage reliever and swing-man, spot-starter for the Nationals instead of a mainstay in the rotation. Add in the fact that Patrick Corbin has been the worst pitcher in baseball over the past three seasons, and quality starting pitching is sorely needed.

Knowing the Nationals' recent tendencies, they will look for a tier 2/3 starter in Free Agency. Enter: Lucas Giolito.

A piece in the infamous Adam Eaton trade, Giolito departed Washington in 2016 and has had an up and down career ever since. All things considered, however, there has been much more good than bad. Many fans will remember how badly Giolito struggled after being traded to the Angels last season, and later claimed by the Guardians, but it is important to remember that Giolito had a 3.79 ERA in 121 innings prior to the trade. More than that, he is still just 29 years old. You would be taking a flyer on an arm with plenty of mileage left as opposed to a 35 year old pitcher you hope has a little more left in the tank.

With Josiah Gray, MacKenzie Gore and seemingly Jake Irvin as set pieces in the rotation, and Cade Cavalli working his way back from Tommy John surgery, adding Lucas Giolito could give the Nationals a young, formidable rotation.

I think it would be smart to just give Giolito a one year deal for similar reasons to Rhys Hoskins. The Nationals would need to spend slightly more in order to do so, but should be able to get him for one year, $12M.

Projected AAV per Spotrac: $11.8M